Calafiori: ‘Bastoni the best Italian defender, Maldini best of all time’ | OneFootball

Arsenal star Riccardo Calafiori says Paolo Maldini was the best defender of all time, while Alessandro Bastoni is the current best Italian defender.

Calafiori replied to questions from Sky Sports UK followers, discussing his summer transfer to Arsenal, his personal life and his role models.

The Italy international moved to North London from Bologna after the Euros last summer and explained why he had chosen the Gunners.

“[Because of ]Mikel [Arteta] and Edu. I spoke to them a lot of times, even before the Euros, and they kind of convinced me, but I was already convinced. They showed me their project, and it was perfect for me.”

Calafiori has been stuck by the club’s organisation. “Everyone’s so good. The staff and the teammates are all good people,” he said.

Riccardo Calafiori Italy EPA-EFE/DAVIDE CASENTINI

How does it feel to play in the Premier League?

“So difficult. Every game is tough,” Calafiori replied.

“Every opponent, especially the wingers. You can’t switch off because the games are very intense and all the actions are tough and you must be focused and concentrated.”

Calafiori scored his first Arsenal goal in September against Manchester City. How many times has he watched that goal?

“Multiple times, I’ve lost the count,” he said smiling.

“I haven’t scored a lot of goals, but when I do, it’s the same way. Without ball control, just shoot. At those moments, I let the body do what it’s capable of. I didn’t expect it. I didn’t understand anything; I got crazy.”

Which Arsenal player can become a coach in the future?

“Jorgi, He’s already a manager on the pitch, and I think he’s studying already [to become a coach]. Some of these players already have it inside.

“I have a good relationship with everyone, but I speak Italian with Jorginho, he helps me a lot.”

What inspired him to become a defender?

“I was a winger when I was younger,” he said.

“It’s not easy to find kids who are defenders; they are pushed to be defenders, and I was one of them. Perhaps it was my luck. At that time, I was not so happy about it, but then I realised that maybe it was the best thing.”

Calafiori and Jorginho warm up before an Arsenal game in the 2023-24 campaign (Getty)

Who’s the best Italian defender ever, and what makes Italians so good in defence?

“Maldini, as an Italian player, is the greatest of all time,” Calafiori replied.

“It’s in our veins. We have this mentality. In the past, perhaps we didn’t always have the best teams, but when we won, we were good at defending and so compact and this helped us. It’s about mentality.

“We had so many, Nesta, Cannavaro, Chiellini as well, Bonucci.”

And who is the best Italian defender currently?

“Bastoni from Inter. It’s the mentality and the way he plays. Similar to mine. He’s so good on the ball, even better than me. Left-footed, I like him and I like him as a friend. I wish him the best.”

Why does he wear the No.33?

“No. 3 is my favourite number, but somebody already had it when I was in Basel. I had a good season, so I’ve kept it.”

How did he cope with a severe knee injury when he was younger?

“I was lucky to be so young. When you are 16, you don’t think much about the consequences.”

Lastly, Calafiori spoke about the toughest environments he’s faced in his career.

“This year, Aston Villa away. I wouldn’t say tough, I like when it’s loud and fans are crazy, it gives me energy.

“Overall, San Siro for the history of the stadium, one of the best in Italy and Europe.”